Your Views: New law boosts health care at Wisconsin's free clinics

HealthNet of Rock County applauds Gov. Scott Walker for signing Assembly Bill 270, which makes it easier for some health care professionals to volunteer at free clinics. It does so by expanding the range of providers covered by the state's risk pool and entitled to representation by the attorney's general's office, in the case of a lawsuit.

This bill expands the protected group to include psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors who are licensed, as well as advanced practice nurses who are certified to issue prescriptions. State Rep. Amy Loudenback, R-Clinton, and Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, authored the bill, which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 344. Gov. Walker signed the bill into law Wednesday, April 23.

We applaud Rep. Loudenback, Sen. Grothman, Rep. Deb Kolste, D-Janesville, and Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, for recognizing the value of expanding the protected health care groups that are covered. HealthNet has health care professionals who are prepared to volunteer now that this has passed. Because of the expansion of this statute, HealthNet can increase the services offered to Rock County residents who are low income and completely uninsured.